Vikings CB Asher Allen retires at age 24

It's unclear why the 24-year-old Asher Allen is retiring, and the decision apparently surprised Vikings coach Frazier, who said he was told it wasn't a health matter.

By Josh Katzowitz

May 30, 2012 at 2:24 pm ET • 1 min read

For now, it’s unclear why Asher retired entering his fourth NFL season. (Getty)

Vikings cornerback Asher Allen, who was set to enter his fourth year in the league, has retired, Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier told reporters Wednesday afternoon.

It’s unclear why the 24-year-old is giving up the game, and the decision apparently surprised Frazier, who said he was told it wasn’t a health matter. In the final year of his rookie contract, the former third-round pick was set to make $615,000 in 2012.

In the past three seasons, Asher had started 21 of 36 games, accumulating 134 tackles, four interceptions and 11 passes defended. He did not have a good season last year, according to Pro Football Focus -- which ranked him No. 107 out of 109 cornerbacks and calculated that quarterbacks had a 104.6 rating when they threw his way.

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